New regulations for chauffer-driven cars published

New regulations for chauffeur-driven cars, commonly known as Y-plates, have been published insisting that drivers confirm that they have the garage space to operate such a vehicle.

Operators and drivers who operate Light Passenger Transport Vehicles (LPTVs) will have until 23 July 2023 to regularize themselves with the following conditions, Transport Malta said in a statement.

The conditions now include garage space confirmation which means that LPTV operators must submit an architect’s report confirming the availability of adequate garage space when applying for or renewing their operator’s license and, or a legal private off-street parking space for their exclusive use where to park their vehicles while these are not in use.

There will also be new requirements for LPTVs such as parking regulations where LPTVs can now legally park on the road for up to one hour using a parking disk.

LPTVs will also no longer be obliged to return to the garage if they are available for booking during the driver’s working hours, however, there will be distance restrictions from taxi stands and bus stops.

Also, the new regulations mean that drivers inside the vehicles will be exempt from time restrictions.

The authority said that it is currently exploring the possibility of introducing digital geofencing and will have meetings with the operators to discuss this matter in the coming weeks.

These new regulations were announced after PN MP Adrian Delia said that there was “abuse across the board” at Transport Malta, as “thousands” of Y-plates were being issued.

There were complaints from Maltese drivers who apply to work with various chauffeuring companies that their Y-plates take around 2 to 3 months to arrive, while foreigners are able to start working within 3 to 4 days.

These companies were employing foreigners because of the comparatively shorter time it takes for them to get Y-plates, on top of the fact that foreigners are being paid on a commission basis, rather than with a fixed salary.